2020 BMW S 1000 XR First Look

Cycle News Staff | November 5, 2019

Take the punchy power and sportiness of the BMW S 1000 RR and pack it into it the creature comforts of an adventure sport capable machine and you have the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR. We’ve known the XR would make its debut this year at EICMA and have been eagerly awaiting its reveal.

2020 BMW S 1000 XR

2020 BMW S 1000 XR

At the heart of the XR is the same inline four-cylinder found on the S 1000 RR but tuned to produce a stout 162 horsepower at 11,000 rpm, with peak torque kicking in a 9,250 rpm. Couple that with 84 ft-lbs of torque and you have a bike that’s going to be plenty playful no matter where on earth those tires lay. BMW claims the new engine has better rideability across the entire rev range.

BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic ESA electronic suspension comes as standard, with the optional Dynamic ESA Pro bringing two more damping modes (Road, Dynamic) to the table. There is also an optional load compensation feature available. As with many of BMW’s high-end motorcycles, an IMU is standard and assists in the overall electronics package, which includes traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. The XR will also include standard engine-brake control, hill start, and MSR function.

Four riding modes are included in the base package: “Rain,” “Road,” “Dynamic,” and “Dynamic Pro.”If you want an up/down quickshifter and cruise control, buyers will need to opt-in for the premium package, and that, of course, comes with an added price.

2020 BMW S 1000 XR

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR comes in at a curb weight of 498 pounds saving 11 pounds offthe outgoing model and features long-travel suspension perfect for light off-road work and long-haul touring.

Other goodies abound but buyers can expect a tall windscreen providing adequate wind protection, a bright TFT display, and finally, symmetrical LED headlights.

Pricing and delivery of the S 1000 XR have yet to be announced, but we will update you when they are made available.